There are several misunderstandings in the use of personal protective equipment by business managers and workers

Myth #1: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is optional
Experts emphasize that personal protective equipment plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of occupational diseases. According to the Occupational Disease Prevention Act, employers are legally required to provide workers with PPE that meets safety standards, and employees are obligated to use it properly. Ignoring this responsibility can lead to serious health consequences.

Misunderstanding #2: No smell in the workshop means no need for PPE
Many harmful substances, such as certain gases and chemicals, are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. This makes them difficult to detect without proper equipment. Relying on sensory perception alone can be dangerous, as individual differences in sensitivity may lead to unnoticed exposure, increasing the risk of occupational poisoning.

Myth #3: Gauze masks protect against dust
Ordinary gauze masks are not suitable for dust protection. While they may offer comfort in different weather conditions, they cannot effectively filter out fine dust particles that cause lung diseases like pneumoconiosis. Specialized dust masks with high-efficiency filters are necessary for proper respiratory protection.

Myth #4: Medical masks prevent chemical exposure
Medical masks are designed to block droplets and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but they are not effective against toxic gases or vapors. For chemical exposure, specialized respirators, such as those with activated carbon filters, should be used based on the specific hazards present.

Myth #5: Dust masks can be washed and reused
Reusing or washing dust masks can significantly reduce their effectiveness. These masks often rely on electrostatically charged fibers to trap small particles. Washing damages the structure of the filter material, leading to reduced filtration efficiency and increased risk of exposure.

PPE serves as a last line of defense. It’s essential to prioritize proactive measures such as advanced production technologies and engineering controls to minimize workplace hazards. When these are not sufficient, appropriate PPE must be provided and used correctly. However, it's important to remember that no single piece of PPE is a perfect solution—each has its limitations and must be chosen based on the specific environment and risks involved.

In workplaces where hazardous substances are present, lack of proper protective measures or failure to use PPE can lead to severe accidents. For example, industries involving white hexane oil can cause peripheral nerve damage. Benzene-containing solvents in shoe manufacturing or painting processes may lead to blood-related illnesses like leukemia. Trichloroethylene exposure during degreasing can result in skin damage, while silica dust from construction or gemstone processing can cause silicosis. Other occupational hazards include heat stress for sanitation workers, noise and fumes for auto mechanics, and exposure to organic solvents for drivers and gas station staff. Office workers may face issues like electromagnetic radiation or poor air quality, while bank and finance professionals might experience work-related stress and tension.

Cleanroom workers, for instance, may suffer from emotional changes such as anxiety or depression due to the high-pressure environments they work in. With the growing awareness of occupational health, it's more important than ever to implement comprehensive prevention strategies and improve working conditions to reduce the risk of occupational diseases. Employers, governments, and regulatory bodies must all play a role in ensuring worker safety. Strengthening regulations, increasing inspections, and promoting a culture of health and safety can help create a safer, more sustainable future for all workers.

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